Ernie Y.

Dear Ernie,

Assuming you have never been out of the United States, I will outline some general traveltips.

PASSPORT verses VISA – The difference

A passport is the official, internationally recognized ID issued by the United States government. It is required for travel to nearly all destinations outside of the US for the purpose of entering a foreign country and for re-entering the US.A Visa, issued by the embassy of your destination country before you leave the US, is required for admission into many countries. For more information, go to http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1229.html

For more information on passports go to: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html 

For more information on visas go to: http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html.

OVERSEAS TRAVEL HEALTH and SAFETY

Visit with a Travel Clinics of America physician with your itinerary 60 - 90days ahead of your scheduled departure. A travel medicine physician has all ofthe latest information with regard to health conditions that you may encounter while traveling abroad. After reviewing your medical history, this physician will advise and administer vaccinations and booster shots. Travel Clinics of America physicians are dedicated to'safe travel' and will further advise you on safety issues specific to the region of the world you are visiting. The doctor will provide you with a list of medical supplies you should carry as well as safety tips that will help protect you and your possessions. Also you will be advised as to what medical paperwork and prescriptions you should carry.

EMERGENCY CONTACT

It is important to leave copies of your itinerary with family members and other people close to you. You may also want to register online with the US Department of State at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/

MEDICAL INSURANCE COVERAGE

You'll need to check with your health insurance provider tosee if you have worldwide coverage. If you need health insurance, there are special travel policies available.

CELLPHONE

Make sure before you travel abroad that your cell phone will work when you leave the country. You may want to call your phone provider to discuss the specifics of your phone, your service and your travel destination. Double check that your charger will function. You may need to take an electrical adapter.

TRAVEL SAFETY TIPS:

Passport stolen?

Just in case your passport is lost or stolen, carry a copy of your passport, a certifiedcopy of your birth certificate and/or expired passport as well as extra passport photos.

Money

Always carry multiple forms of money: cash, travelers check, debit and credit cards. Never carry large sums of cash and use a money belt to carry your cash. Make three lists of your traveler’s checks, debit and credit cards along with emergency replacement procedures and contact numbers. Leave one at home and carry the other two but keep them in separate places.

 Luggage

Mark your luggage inside and out with your name and contact information. Travel as light as possible. Don't carry everything in one place. Never pack important documents, medicine or anything you cannot do without in checked luggage. Put them in your carry-on bag.

Electricityand computers

If you take a computer (or valuable), write down the serial numbers and bring copies of receipts. Make sure insurance and warranties are up to date. Be aware that using foreign electrical current may damage your device. You may need a current converter specific to the region of the world you are visiting.

Eyewear and medications

If you wear eyeglasses or contacts, take an extra pair along with all prescriptions.

Again, this is general information. For more specific information schedule an appointment with a Travel Clinics of Americaphysician as soon as possible. Be a smart and healthy traveler so you can have a great trip!

Dr. Alla Kirsch, MD

Travel Clinics of America

Your ticket to healthy and safe international travel